Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
The launch of Abu Dhabi authorities’ sixth Safe Summer campaign comes as a timely reminder as families gear up for vacations and adventures this season, residents told Aletihad.
As summer reaches its peak, Abu Dhabi Police and the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority have launched the comprehensive awareness campaign covering various aspects - from preventing fire incidents and road accidents to keeping homes and children safe.
Running until August 31, “the Safe Summer campaign aims to enhance public awareness on adhering to preventive measures to enjoy a safe and incident-free summer”, said Brigadier Salem Adha Al Buqmee, Acting Director of the External Regions Police Directorate
Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, in a video about the drive.
Mariam Al Houssani, a mother of three children in Abu Dhabi, lauded the initiative, saying it served as a nudge to be extra careful during the summer holidays when kids would either be at home or out having fun.
“This campaign reminds us of small but important steps we can take every day to protect our children,” Al Houssani told Aletihad.
When out at the beach or during staycations, Al Houssani makes sure her children never swim alone, she said.
Fire prevention measures are also a top priority in their household, she added. “I now double-check our home’s smoke alarms … [Such campaigns have] made our whole family more aware and responsible.”
Besides keeping alams in check, the police also reminded residents to check other appliances and electrical outlets.
“[The campaign] encourages regular maintenance of water heaters and advises against leaving smartphone chargers plugged in,” Al Buqmee said in the video about the awareness drive.
Preventing Traffic Accidents
To ensure safety on the roads, it is a must to check a vehicle’s overall condition - including tyres, fluid levels, and air-conditioning systems - before taking long summer trips.
Drivers must be aware of “the importance of checking their vehicles and tyres to avoid accidents and keep their cars safe from incidents that may cause fires”, Al Buqmee said.
Zayed Al Breiki, a father who lives in Al Ain, never thought about how dangerous worn-out tyres could be until he saw the police’s awareness videos.
“Now, I make sure to get my car checked before any trip. This campaign truly helps us keep our families safe,” he said.
Safety is not just an individual effort, but a shared community responsibility, the campaign reminded residents.
“[The drive] contributes to realising the vision of the Year of Community by promoting community engagement to support safety and security efforts,” said Major Saeed Hamad Al Ameri, Community Awareness Branch Manager at the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority.
Al Breiki expressed his appreciation of the campaign’s goal “to create a culture of collective responsibility where safety becomes part of daily life”.
“Families are encouraged to share tips with neighbours, report unsafe conditions, and support one another in following best practices,” he said.
